Shakespeare, like many writers of his time, drew from a variety of sources to inform his characterizations, including those of non-European characters or those who represented a cultural or racial "other." His treatment of these characters often reflects the attitudes and beliefs of his era. Here are some primary sources and examples of plays where these themes are evident:

Primary Sources and Influences:

1. Holinshed’s Chronicles: This historical source was a significant reference for Shakespeare, especially for his history plays. It provided background on various cultures and figures, some of whom were depicted as outsiders.

2. Plutarch’s Lives: Shakespeare used this source extensively for his Roman plays. Plutarch's accounts often provided insights into Roman attitudes towards other cultures.

3. Travel Literature and Accounts: The increasing exploration of the world during Shakespeare's time meant that travelogues and accounts of distant lands and peoples were popular. These works often depicted non-Europeans in exotic and often stereotypical ways, influencing Shakespeare's portrayals.

4. The Bible and Religious Texts: Religious differences and the portrayal of Jews and Muslims, for instance, were influenced by prevailing interpretations of biblical stories and other religious texts.

Shakespearean Plays Featuring the "Other":

1. Othello: Othello, a Moor, is depicted as an outsider in Venetian society. His racial and cultural identity is central to the play’s conflict. Sources like Cinthio’s Hecatommithi provide the basic plot, but Shakespeare expands on Othello’s racial identity, which is both exoticized and demonized.

2. The Merchant of Venice: Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, is portrayed with a mix of villainy and humanity. The play reflects contemporary attitudes towards Jews, and sources like Il Pecorone by Ser Giovanni and the Gesta Romanorum may have influenced its depiction of Shylock.

3. Antony and Cleopatra: Cleopatra, as an Egyptian queen, represents the exotic and seductive "other." Shakespeare’s portrayal draws from Plutarch’s Lives, which presents Cleopatra as a figure both fascinating and dangerous to Roman values.

4. The Tempest: Caliban is depicted as a native of the island, representing the colonized "other." The play reflects themes of colonization and the European view of native peoples. Shakespeare likely drew on accounts of the New World and exploration literature, which often depicted indigenous peoples as savage or uncivilized.

Humour and Targeting Differences:

Shakespeare often uses humor to highlight cultural and racial differences. In The Merchant of Venice, the comedic elements surrounding Shylock’s character, especially in scenes where he is mocked or outwitted, reflect societal prejudices. Similarly, in The Tempest, Caliban’s interactions with Trinculo and Stephano are played for laughs, often at Caliban’s expense, highlighting his perceived otherness.

These plays showcase how Shakespeare adapted his sources to reflect and sometimes critique the cultural and racial attitudes of his time, using humor and drama to explore complex themes of identity and difference.